Vele coal mine

Vele coal mine is a coking coal project owned by Coal of Africa Limited (CoAL) located in the Limpopo Province.

Opposition to mine
The mine has been opposed by environmentalists and local residents. The proposed mine is expected to be completed in late 2010.

CoAL was granted a water use license for the mine on April 4, 2011. A coalition of non-profit organisations (NGOs) said they would appeal the license. The Vele colliery is located outside the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site, and the coalition said the granting of the water license would damage the area’s water sources.

Shortly after environmental groups flagged their intention to appeal against the decision, CoAL Chief executive John Wallington was asked whether the company would abandon the project. "That may happen. We may need to do that," he said.

Groups opposing the project

 * Mapungubwe Action Group

Related SourceWatch articles

 * South Africa and coal